2026 Trial Lawyer of the Year
Nicholas C. Deets, Hovde Dassow + Deets
Nicholas C. Deets is a nationally recognized trial attorney and Partner at Hovde Dassow & Deets, focusing his distinguished legal career exclusively on representing plaintiffs in personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and product liability litigation. With over 80 jury trials taken to verdict, Nick is regarded as one of Indiana’s most experienced and respected trial lawyers.
He has successfully litigated and argued numerous high-profile and precedent-setting cases before both state and federal courts, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. Notably, Nick played a key role in landmark decisions such as Cosme v. Erie Insurance (2024), which modified Indiana’s standard on directed verdicts, and Kosarko v. Padula (2012), further shaping the state’s tort law.
Nick's bar and professional affiliations are extensive. He is a past President of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Indiana Chapter, and an active member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Indiana State Bar, and the Indiana Bar Foundation. His fellowships in prestigious organizations such as the American College of Trial Lawyers, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Indiana College of Trial Lawyers, and Litigation Counsel of America reflect his exceptional standing in the legal profession.
Nick's excellence has been widely recognized:
Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management (B.S.I.M.) with honors from Purdue University (1989) and was admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1993.
He has successfully litigated and argued numerous high-profile and precedent-setting cases before both state and federal courts, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. Notably, Nick played a key role in landmark decisions such as Cosme v. Erie Insurance (2024), which modified Indiana’s standard on directed verdicts, and Kosarko v. Padula (2012), further shaping the state’s tort law.
Nick's bar and professional affiliations are extensive. He is a past President of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Indiana Chapter, and an active member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Indiana State Bar, and the Indiana Bar Foundation. His fellowships in prestigious organizations such as the American College of Trial Lawyers, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Indiana College of Trial Lawyers, and Litigation Counsel of America reflect his exceptional standing in the legal profession.
Nick's excellence has been widely recognized:
- Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in: Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs (2020 and 2026)
- Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2022)
- Super Lawyers, Plaintiff's Personal Injury 2006-present, Top 10 Lawyer in Indiana (2024-present), Top 50 Lawyer in Indiana (2020-present)
- Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs (2017)
- Indiana Trial Lawyers Association’s Trial Lawyer of the Year (2010)
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2010 in multiple categories including Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Mass Tort Litigation
- “Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Law: Practice Tips and Application”, National Business Institute
- “Effective Closing Arguments on behalf of the Plaintiff”, presented to both the Indianapolis and Allen County Bar Associations
- Scholarly articles in Verdict, covering state court venue under Indiana Trial Rule 75 and vicarious liability settlements
Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management (B.S.I.M.) with honors from Purdue University (1989) and was admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1993.
Trial Lawyer of the Year Award Criteria
A lawyer who upholds the honor of the legal profession and is a true defender of the people; a lawyer who works to protect the rights of injured victims and consumers; a lawyer who successfully handles a case of major public importance in state or federal court, including appellate courts; a lawyer who assists ITLA in their efforts to protect the rights of consumers and injured victims at the state legislature and the U.S. Congress; a lawyer who devotes substantial time and effort to further the mission of ITLA by serving as a member; a lawyer who frequently publishes articles and gives presentations in support of the rights of injured victims and consumer rights; and lastly, a lawyer who earns admiration and respect for trial lawyers as a result of noteworthy activities.
Nick Deets, Tyler Zipes, Emily Guenin-Hodson, and Mark Guenin Nomination
Submitted by Steve Langer, Bob Johnson, and Dan Ladendorf
It is our distinct pleasure and privilege to nominate Emily Guenin-Hodson and Mark Guenin of Guenin Law Office and Nick Deets and Tyler Zipes of Hovde Dassow & Deets for Lawyers of the Year.
The main focus of our nomination is their work in years long product liability case that was resolved this year. This litigation arose from a devastating residential fire that started in a piece of furniture with electrical components and forever devastated an entire family. The fire claimed the lives of a young mother and her two daughters who were 6 mos. old and 2 years old. It left a 6 year old son with catastrophic injuries that will never allow him to live independently, including severe traumatic brain injury, and a father struggling through unimaginable grief while attempting to rebuild a life, provide a home, and furnish twenty-four-hour care for his surviving child.
Most of the evidence was destroyed in the fire and could not be tested. Many lawyers would have seen tragedy and uncertainty. These lawyers saw a need for corporate responsibility and accountability, as well as a need to secure justice for this family.
Over the course of six years, Emily, Mark, Nick, and Tyler devoted themselves to uncovering the truth and building a case where other lawyers believed none existed. They approached the case with uncommon persistence and extraordinary attention to detail, never losing sight of the people they represent or the devastating human loss at the center of the litigation.
What emerged was a case built, quite literally, from the ashes of a home fire.
The defendants included American, European, and Chinese companies, creating complex and evolving questions concerning jurisdiction, venue, corporate identity, insurance coverage, indemnity obligations, and responsibility for the design, manufacture, assembly, importation, distribution, and supply of the electrical components at issue. Resolving those issues required years of investigation, discovery, and persistence.
The complexity of the litigation cannot be overstated. Service had to be completed in China and Europe through the Hague Convention. The matter was removed to federal court. The lawyers were then able to get the matter remanded to Indiana state court because LLC’s refused to divulge their membership. They were able to venue the case in Hamilton County by naming the homeowner’s insurer as a defendant based on some unpaid property damage claims. Counsel successfully navigated multiple motions for summary judgment, motions to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction, and other dispositive challenges while simultaneously pursuing and prevailing on numerous motions to compel that were essential to obtaining critical evidence and enforcing discovery obligations. More than 100 sets of written discovery were served upon defendants and non-parties, and over 500,000 documents were reviewed and analyzed. Chinese and German documents and corporate websites were translated and carefully incorporated into the evidentiary record. Evidence was gathered from several states throughout the country, including Washington, Arizona, California, and Florida, and depositions were conducted across multiple states.
Through persistent discovery efforts and sanctions obtained by Plaintiffs' counsel, the CEOs of Chinese and German companies were required to travel from those countries to Indiana and personally appear for their depositions, an extraordinary result that ensured accountability and prevented key corporate witnesses from avoiding meaningful examination.
The matter proceeded before Judge Michael A. Casati in Hamilton Superior Court 1.
The defense was substantial and sophisticated. Several lawyers from large, respected firms in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Chicago, Los Angeles, and elsewhere vigorously defended the claims. To their credit, defense counsel remained professional and respectful of the extraordinary human loss involved while nonetheless mounting an aggressive and highly capable defense. Ultimately, a substantial, confidential settlement was achieved.
These lawyers took on a case many believed could not be won. In the aftermath of a catastrophic fire, many saw only tragedy and uncertainty. Emily, Mark, Nick and Tyler saw something very, very wrong. Where others saw confusion or no liability and no case, they committed themselves to uncovering the truth—piece by piece, document by document, deposition by deposition, expert by expert.
Justice in this matter did not arrive easily. It was earned through intelligence, compassion, persistence, and years of relentless work on behalf of a grieving father and catastrophically injured child. This case was won by excellent lawyering.
The impact of this case extends far beyond its resolution. It reinforces that Indiana courts remain a place where ordinary families can obtain justice against sophisticated international corporate defendants, regardless of geography, complexity, or resources. The result stands as a reminder that difficult cases deserve to be pursued and that accountability can be achieved through preparation, persistence, and principled advocacy.
The qualities that made these nominees successful in this litigation are the same qualities they bring to the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and the profession as a whole. They are not lawyers who simply take from the plaintiffs' bar; they give back to it. Each has demonstrated a genuine commitment to trying cases and helping fellow trial lawyers better serve injured Hoosiers through participation in ITLA amicus efforts, active involvement on ITLA committees and the listserv, and numerous presentations at continuing legal education programs. Between them, they have authored more than 10 amicus briefs for ITLA. Emily and Nick have fought for ITLA’s interests on the Indiana Supreme Court Rules Committee. They willingly share ideas, strategies, and lessons learned from difficult cases, understanding that when one trial lawyer becomes better prepared, all injured clients benefit. Having worked alongside them for years, we have seen firsthand their willingness to answer questions, mentor younger lawyers, and contribute their time and knowledge for the benefit of others. Their impact extends well beyond the clients they represent and the cases they win. Through their service to ITLA and the broader legal community, they have helped strengthen the plaintiffs' bar and advance the cause of justice for injured Hoosiers across Indiana.
For those reasons, and with great pride and admiration, we nominate Emily Guenin-Hodson, Mark Guenin, Nick Deets, and Tyler Zipes for Trial Lawyers of the Year.
The main focus of our nomination is their work in years long product liability case that was resolved this year. This litigation arose from a devastating residential fire that started in a piece of furniture with electrical components and forever devastated an entire family. The fire claimed the lives of a young mother and her two daughters who were 6 mos. old and 2 years old. It left a 6 year old son with catastrophic injuries that will never allow him to live independently, including severe traumatic brain injury, and a father struggling through unimaginable grief while attempting to rebuild a life, provide a home, and furnish twenty-four-hour care for his surviving child.
Most of the evidence was destroyed in the fire and could not be tested. Many lawyers would have seen tragedy and uncertainty. These lawyers saw a need for corporate responsibility and accountability, as well as a need to secure justice for this family.
Over the course of six years, Emily, Mark, Nick, and Tyler devoted themselves to uncovering the truth and building a case where other lawyers believed none existed. They approached the case with uncommon persistence and extraordinary attention to detail, never losing sight of the people they represent or the devastating human loss at the center of the litigation.
What emerged was a case built, quite literally, from the ashes of a home fire.
The defendants included American, European, and Chinese companies, creating complex and evolving questions concerning jurisdiction, venue, corporate identity, insurance coverage, indemnity obligations, and responsibility for the design, manufacture, assembly, importation, distribution, and supply of the electrical components at issue. Resolving those issues required years of investigation, discovery, and persistence.
The complexity of the litigation cannot be overstated. Service had to be completed in China and Europe through the Hague Convention. The matter was removed to federal court. The lawyers were then able to get the matter remanded to Indiana state court because LLC’s refused to divulge their membership. They were able to venue the case in Hamilton County by naming the homeowner’s insurer as a defendant based on some unpaid property damage claims. Counsel successfully navigated multiple motions for summary judgment, motions to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction, and other dispositive challenges while simultaneously pursuing and prevailing on numerous motions to compel that were essential to obtaining critical evidence and enforcing discovery obligations. More than 100 sets of written discovery were served upon defendants and non-parties, and over 500,000 documents were reviewed and analyzed. Chinese and German documents and corporate websites were translated and carefully incorporated into the evidentiary record. Evidence was gathered from several states throughout the country, including Washington, Arizona, California, and Florida, and depositions were conducted across multiple states.
Through persistent discovery efforts and sanctions obtained by Plaintiffs' counsel, the CEOs of Chinese and German companies were required to travel from those countries to Indiana and personally appear for their depositions, an extraordinary result that ensured accountability and prevented key corporate witnesses from avoiding meaningful examination.
The matter proceeded before Judge Michael A. Casati in Hamilton Superior Court 1.
The defense was substantial and sophisticated. Several lawyers from large, respected firms in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Chicago, Los Angeles, and elsewhere vigorously defended the claims. To their credit, defense counsel remained professional and respectful of the extraordinary human loss involved while nonetheless mounting an aggressive and highly capable defense. Ultimately, a substantial, confidential settlement was achieved.
These lawyers took on a case many believed could not be won. In the aftermath of a catastrophic fire, many saw only tragedy and uncertainty. Emily, Mark, Nick and Tyler saw something very, very wrong. Where others saw confusion or no liability and no case, they committed themselves to uncovering the truth—piece by piece, document by document, deposition by deposition, expert by expert.
Justice in this matter did not arrive easily. It was earned through intelligence, compassion, persistence, and years of relentless work on behalf of a grieving father and catastrophically injured child. This case was won by excellent lawyering.
The impact of this case extends far beyond its resolution. It reinforces that Indiana courts remain a place where ordinary families can obtain justice against sophisticated international corporate defendants, regardless of geography, complexity, or resources. The result stands as a reminder that difficult cases deserve to be pursued and that accountability can be achieved through preparation, persistence, and principled advocacy.
The qualities that made these nominees successful in this litigation are the same qualities they bring to the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and the profession as a whole. They are not lawyers who simply take from the plaintiffs' bar; they give back to it. Each has demonstrated a genuine commitment to trying cases and helping fellow trial lawyers better serve injured Hoosiers through participation in ITLA amicus efforts, active involvement on ITLA committees and the listserv, and numerous presentations at continuing legal education programs. Between them, they have authored more than 10 amicus briefs for ITLA. Emily and Nick have fought for ITLA’s interests on the Indiana Supreme Court Rules Committee. They willingly share ideas, strategies, and lessons learned from difficult cases, understanding that when one trial lawyer becomes better prepared, all injured clients benefit. Having worked alongside them for years, we have seen firsthand their willingness to answer questions, mentor younger lawyers, and contribute their time and knowledge for the benefit of others. Their impact extends well beyond the clients they represent and the cases they win. Through their service to ITLA and the broader legal community, they have helped strengthen the plaintiffs' bar and advance the cause of justice for injured Hoosiers across Indiana.
For those reasons, and with great pride and admiration, we nominate Emily Guenin-Hodson, Mark Guenin, Nick Deets, and Tyler Zipes for Trial Lawyers of the Year.